Make tracks on the TAKS!

To help inspire the Stafford Elementary 5th grade class, who will be taking the TAKS test on Monday and Tuesday, school faculty and the 4th and 6th grade students thru a pep rally in their honor, Friday inside the school’s cafeteria.

The recently assembled Stafford Elementary 6th grade Roaring Tigers Band, directed by Jesus Perez, performed ‘Power Rock’ with assistance from Italy High School Gladiator Regiment Band members, Drenda Burk and Brett Kirton. The moment marked the band’s first live performance, and they did not miss a beat.

With much of the band’s instruments being donated by Tina Haight back in October, the Roaring Tigers Band played their hearts out for their 5th grade school mates.

Principal, Tamela Rose Wallis, emceed the event and had plenty of help from fellow teachers, who were fitted with tiger costumes and spirit shirts that simply stated, “Think Exemplary,” to assist her in leading the cheers and dancing.

A skit was performed by Karson Holley, Cassidy Gage and Karley Nelson to remind the 5th graders of TAKS test taking strategies. Asked to develop the skit the day before, the talented trio created the script, made copies for one another and practiced their lines.

Several 6th grade boys huddled for a pre-test spirit chant to further encourage those students aspiring to be the next batch of 6th graders.

Moesha Griffin led the 6th grade girls, and couple of the boys, in a hair-slinging number that reminded the test takers that when it comes to the TAKS test, they can, “Whip it!”

The entire group line danced to the ‘Cupid Shuffle’ song, teachers included, and then the 5th grade boys tried to “out loud” the 5th grade girls in a cheer contest. Janet Janek deemed the duel, a tie, and recommended cutting the spirit stick in half.

The rally roar at the end of each cheer was, “Be Exemplary!” A phrase encouraged to inspire the test takers to strive for academic excellence.

The room was cleared leaving the 5th grade class to have a sit down discussion with Principal Wallis whose words of wisdom and explanations of the test taking process were designed to help invoke even more confidence into the fearless Tigers. It was a touching moment between mentor and students.

The 5th graders received a gift bag as they exited the cafeteria and then were further cheered on by their fellow schoolmates who lined the main hallway to wish them good luck.

“I just want all the students to do well and the teachers deserve credit for helping the 5th graders be prepared. I really appreciate the time the teachers and students put into ensuring a successful pep rally as well,” smiled Principal Wallis.

The TAKS Pep Rally was certainly a novel concept and all the students seemed to embrace the celebration. “We held a TAKS Pep Rally back in late February for the 4th grade class, and afterwards, It was amazing how hard the students studied to prepare for the exam,” commented 4th grade English teacher, Kim Nelson.

Good luck to the Stafford Elementary 5th grade class on the upcoming TAKS test, and remember “Be Exemplary!”